When They Stopped Breathing ~ Jon

This is the final post in the 3-part blog series “When They Stopped Breathing“. Click here to read all the posts in this series. I pray God will use our testimony to encourage you in your situation. Be blessed!

January 29, 2011. Our triplets were 3 year old rambunctious boys – sweethearts who played rough. It was a Saturday and we were all at home. Jon had a bad cold, but he was cheerful and played with his brothers, nevertheless.

All 3 boys were sitting on the frame of our front door. At one point, Jason and Judah got up and looked behind them to see Jon collapsed on the floor. It took my husband a few seconds to figure out what Jon was doing on the floor. When he realized Jon had collapsed, he cried out to me and rushed to pick him up.

We had no idea what had caused him to collapse. He was not moving at all, although his eyes were still open. We splashed cold water on his face, but there was no response. We called out to him and shook him vigorously, all the while desperately crying out to God.

Seconds later, Jon closed his eyes and stopped breathing. I rushed to our neighbor and frantically explained that we needed a ride to the hospital. Our good neighbor hurriedly started his scooter and my husband held Jon close and got on. With all the commotion, a couple of neighbors came home to offer me their support.

I was in tears. I feared that Jon might not come back home alive. I realized I was in a helpless situation yet again. In my desperation, I cried out to God, pleading with Him for Jon’s life. I urged Jason and Judah to pray for their brother, and they gladly agreed. The three of us prayed – although I doubt Jason and Judah understood the magnanimity of the situation. All they knew was that “Jon fell down near the door, so Dada took him to the hospital.”

After about half an hour, my husband called from the hospital and recounted what had happened. As soon as my husband got on the scooter, he resumed trying to revive Jon. As a last resort, my husband breathed into Jon’s mouth. And Jon opened his eyes and started breathing. All glory to God alone! At the hospital, the doctors suspected a febrile seizure and treated him accordingly. I can’t explain the relief I felt when my husband’s call assured me that Jon was alive and well.

I assured my neighbors that Jon had recovered and waited for them to leave. When we were alone again, I dropped onto my knees and thanked God for Jon’s life. When my husband brought Jon back home, tears were still threatening to break out. Together, we thanked God for bringing our son back home alive.

This was by far the most scariest episode of all. One minute Jon was playing, and the next, he wasn’t breathing. It took us several months to get over what happened. We were anxious every time one of the sons had a slight fever or even a cold. I must admit, it has been a year, but anxiety over their lives still gets a hold on me at times. And my husband has to remind me that “God has not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Through these trials and tests of our faith, our God has remained faithful. When we faltered and feared the worst, God gave us His best. When I feared that my husband would be bringing back a dead son, God gave him life and brought him back home alive. I must say I am ashamed at my lack of faith when staring death in the face. I pray that God would increase my faith and help me bear in mind that He has indeed conquered death. Thank you Jesus, for Jon’s life!

“In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.” (Psalm 120:1)

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

Other posts in this series:

• When They Stopped Breathing ~ Jason
• When They Stopped Breathing ~ Judah